Baked Salmon Sushi Cups

Upgrade your appetizer game with these gourmet baked salmon sushi cups: fun bite-sized rice and nori cups filled with flavorful salmon, baked until tender and crispy. They’re easy to assemble and perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to stylish entertaining.

Each cup combines sticky, tangy sushi rice, creamy Kewpie‐mayo coated salmon, and a crisp nori cup—finishing with a fresh sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions. The result? Savory, satisfying morsels that taste like rolled sushi without the fuss.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1½ lb (680 g) skinless salmon, cubed

• Pinch of sea salt

• 2 Tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos)

• 2 Tbsp Kewpie mayo (or regular mayo/Greek yogurt)

• 1½ cups cooked sushi rice

• 1 tsp rice vinegar

• 12 nori seaweed squares

• ½ cup sliced avocado (optional)

• 1 Tbsp sesame seeds

• ¼ cup chopped green onions

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Lightly grease a standard muffin tin.

2. In a bowl, toss cubed salmon with sea salt, soy sauce, and Kewpie mayo until evenly coated.

3. In another bowl, mix sushi rice with rice vinegar until well combined.

4. Place each nori square into muffin tin cavity, then press ~2 Tbsp of rice into each to form a cup.

5. Top each rice cup with ~2 Tbsp of salmon mixture.

6. Bake 15 minutes, or until salmon is almost cooked. Broil 1–2 min for a crisped top.

7. Remove, optionally top with avocado, then sprinkle sesame seeds and green onions. Serve warm.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes (+ broil) | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: ~110 per cup (approx. 12 cups) | Servings: 12 cups

The Allure of Baked Salmon Sushi Cups

Baked salmon sushi cups are a modern culinary twist that combines traditional Japanese flavors with Western convenience. These delightful bite-sized creations offer everything you love about sushi—tender fish, tangy rice, umami-rich sauces, and nori—without the complexity of rolling or requiring special tools. This fusion dish is perfect for home cooks looking for a manageable way to recreate sushi-style flavors without a steep learning curve.

The structure of the sushi cup mimics that of mini muffin-sized hand rolls. Instead of forming cylindrical sushi or nigiri, the ingredients are layered into nori-lined muffin tins, creating a crispy, savory cup that holds together beautifully and can be eaten with your hands. This makes the dish not only fun to eat but also ideal for parties, meal prep, and casual dinners.

A Versatile Favorite for Any Occasion

What makes baked salmon sushi cups especially appealing is their versatility. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, packing lunch for the next day, or putting together a tray of game-day snacks, these sushi cups adapt easily to the setting. Their individual portion size makes them ideal for buffet tables or bento boxes, while the baked element adds a warm and comforting element that sets them apart from traditional cold sushi.

You can serve them hot or at room temperature, and they hold up surprisingly well even after a few hours. This makes them excellent make-ahead options for gatherings, picnics, or holiday spreads. The presentation—cute, compact, and colorful—impresses guests, even though the preparation is straightforward.

Balancing Flavor and Texture

The magic of this dish lies in its balance of flavor and texture. Sushi rice, seasoned with rice vinegar, brings a signature tanginess and chewiness that pairs perfectly with the savory richness of salmon. The salmon is typically marinated in soy sauce and mixed with a creamy component like Kewpie mayo, which gives it an indulgent, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture after baking.

The nori sheets act as the crunchy container, crisping slightly in the oven and adding a deep, oceanic umami flavor. When baked, the salmon becomes tender and slightly caramelized on top, creating a warm and luxurious bite. Optional toppings like sesame seeds and green onions add brightness and a nutty crunch, while avocado slices can provide a creamy contrast for even more indulgence.

Health Benefits of Salmon and Seaweed

Besides being delicious, baked salmon sushi cups offer several nutritional advantages. Salmon is a powerhouse of lean protein and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart and brain health. Baking the salmon instead of frying helps preserve its nutritional integrity while keeping the dish light and easy to digest.

Nori, the edible seaweed used to line the muffin cups, is a natural source of iodine, which supports thyroid function. It also contains various vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, C, E, and B12, along with antioxidants. The use of sushi rice, while carbohydrate-rich, offers energy and satiety, making these cups a satisfying and well-rounded meal or snack.

Ingredient Flexibility for Dietary Needs

One of the strongest advantages of this dish is how customizable it is. While salmon is the star of the classic version, you can easily substitute other proteins such as cooked shrimp, canned tuna, tofu, or even spicy crab mix. For those following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, options like marinated tempeh or sautéed mushrooms work beautifully as alternatives.

For gluten-free diets, simply use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. And if you’re avoiding refined sugars, you can skip sweetened rice vinegar or opt for a natural version. Even the creamy element—usually Kewpie mayonnaise—can be substituted with Greek yogurt, avocado puree, or vegan mayo depending on your preference.

Why Kewpie Mayo Makes a Difference

Kewpie mayonnaise is a staple in many Asian kitchens and a standout ingredient in this recipe. It’s creamier, tangier, and slightly sweeter than Western-style mayonnaise due to the use of egg yolks only (not whole eggs) and rice vinegar. It blends beautifully with soy sauce and coats the salmon in a rich umami-forward sauce that elevates the flavor profile of the entire cup.

While you can absolutely substitute regular mayo or even Greek yogurt, Kewpie brings that signature Japanese flavor that ties the dish together. If you’re unable to find it at your local market, it’s increasingly available online or in Asian grocery aisles.

Easy Enough for Beginners

Another highlight is how beginner-friendly this recipe is. Many people feel intimidated by the idea of making sushi at home, but sushi cups eliminate all the pressure of perfect rolls and knife work. You don’t need a bamboo mat, rolling technique, or a sharp sushi knife. Just press, spoon, and bake.

This recipe is especially great for involving kids or teens in the kitchen. They can help press the rice into muffin cups, spoon in the filling, and sprinkle toppings. The simplicity encourages creativity and builds confidence, making it a great family cooking activity.

Modern Presentation for Social Sharing

In the age of Instagram and TikTok, visual presentation matters more than ever—and these sushi cups are incredibly photogenic. Their round, compact shape looks elegant when arranged on a platter, especially when topped with vibrant ingredients like green onions, black sesame seeds, sriracha drizzle, or a dab of spicy mayo.

You can elevate the presentation further by serving them on sushi boards, garnished with pickled ginger, wasabi, and small soy sauce dishes for dipping. Whether you’re documenting your dinner or impressing guests, this dish shines on camera as much as it does on the palate.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover baked salmon sushi cups store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Because they’re already cooked, they make for a great cold snack or can be gently reheated in the oven or air fryer to revive their texture.

Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the nori rubbery and affect the delicate texture of the salmon. If you’re meal-prepping, store the salmon mixture and rice separately, then assemble and bake when you’re ready to enjoy fresh sushi cups.

Conclusion

Baked salmon sushi cups offer the best of both worlds: all the beloved elements of sushi—savory fish, vinegared rice, and nori—delivered in a quick, mess-free, and crowd-pleasing format. This modern, oven-baked alternative is perfect for cooks of all skill levels and easily adapts to various tastes and dietary needs.

Whether you’re looking for a standout appetizer, a creative weeknight meal, or a fun dish for entertaining, baked salmon sushi cups deliver flavor, nutrition, and style in every bite. As sushi continues to evolve beyond traditional rolls, this dish proves that innovation can be just as delicious as tradition.